Sleep Schedule for 4-6 months old

Newborns (0-3 months) typically sleep 14-17 hours in a 24-hour period, which includes many frequent, short naps throughout the day, often 4-6 naps. There isn't a strict number, as their sleep is highly fragmented. As your baby grows (3-6 months), their naps will gradually consolidate, often settling into 3-4 naps a day of varying lengths. The key is to watch for their sleep cues and ensure they're getting enough total sleep.

Short naps are incredibly common, especially in the first 4-5 months, as babies' sleep cycles are shorter than adults'. It's often normal for a baby to wake after one sleep cycle. If your baby wakes up happy and refreshed after a short nap, they likely got what they needed. If they wake up fussy or still seem tired, try optimizing their nap environment (dark room, white noise) and ensuring you're catching their sleep cues at the right time to avoid overtiredness. For younger babies, focusing on total sleep and awake windows is more important than extending every single nap.

For newborns (0-2 months), a strict nap schedule isn't realistic or recommended; focus on responding to their sleep cues and ensuring adequate rest. Around 2-4 months, you can start to observe patterns and introduce a gentle routine (e.g., consistent pre-nap activities). A more predictable 'schedule' often begins to emerge between 4-6 months when babies' circadian rhythms develop more fully and their awake windows become more consistent. Before then, aim for consistency in wake-up times and bedtime, and watch those sleep cues closely.

Learning your baby's sleep cues is crucial to putting them down before they become overtired. Common early cues include rubbing eyes, yawning, gazing off into space, pulling at ears, becoming quiet or still, or a reddening around the eyebrows. Later cues (when they're already overtired) are fussiness, crying, arching their back, or hyperactivity. For newborns, awake windows are very short (often 45-60 minutes), so watch for these cues within that timeframe.

For safety and consistency, it's best for your baby to nap in a safe sleep environment, such as their crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play, on their back, on a firm, flat surface, free of loose bedding, blankets, or toys. This helps reinforce that this is their sleep space and promotes independent sleep. While occasional naps in a stroller or carrier might happen when you're out, prioritize safe, independent naps in their designated sleep area whenever possible. Napping in a car seat or swing for extended periods is not recommended due to potential breathing risks.